Students from Epping St John’s Church of England School Sixth Form are heading off to start new chapters in their lives after their A-level results came out.

Year 13 students missed out on sitting their GCSE exams two years ago due to pandemic lockdowns and school closures.

Instead, their grades were allocated by their teachers based on their previous achievements and coursework.

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This summer, they were able to take their A-level and BTEC exams – and feel they have finally proven themselves in the traditional way.

Ben Roberts picked up three A grades and is heading to University Campus of Football Business in Wembley to study multimedia sports journalism.

He said: “I am very happy with my results; they are better than expected. The hard work has paid off and I have exceeded my expectations.

This Is Local London: Ben Roberts. Picture: Epping St John’s Church of England Sixth FormBen Roberts. Picture: Epping St John’s Church of England Sixth Form

“I have always wanted to be a sports journalist, so I am happy I can finally go to university to do that. I can’t believe it.

“Year 12 was the toughest, with online school for a couple of months.

“Throughout Year 13, the whole sixth form team has been great, supporting and helping us with everything.”

George Sack achieved two A* grades and an A grade and is now preparing to move to Bournemouth to start a banking apprenticeship with JP Morgan.

He said: “I am very happy, especially considering what we have been through and that we have never sat exams before.

This Is Local London: George Sack. Picture: Epping St John’s Church of England Sixth FormGeorge Sack. Picture: Epping St John’s Church of England Sixth Form

“Having been through so much, it has made us really resilient as a year group. When it came to sitting the exams, it was not as daunting as it could have been, as a result.

Ruby Turnham is heading for a career in midwifery after picking up an A*, two A grades and a B.

She said: “I was so pleased to collect my results; I was so, so shocked.

This Is Local London: Ruby Turnham. Picture: Epping St John’s Church of England Sixth FormRuby Turnham. Picture: Epping St John’s Church of England Sixth Form

“The teachers at our sixth form are so supportive; you could not feel more supported. It is such a warm, caring sixth form. The teachers really know each individual student.

“It was very comforting that come results day that either way u would be supported and helped.”